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Thursday, August 28, 2008

There's an interesting article in the San Francisco Chronicle today about a new residential development of "micro units" (studios measuring less than 350 square feet). While the design looks fresh and modern, the article's secription doesn't sound like the best use of the space. The article refers to two-burner cooktops and mini sinks. I managed to have a four-burner stove with an oven and a full-size sink in my little studio on 10th Street, which makes me wonder why they couldn't have fit in here. I also think staging the spaces with sofa beds is a little silly--I don't know anyone who'd opt for a sofa bed as her day-to-day bed. Do you? What about a Murphy bed?

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

I work just a block away from this building. I've always considered it an architectural atrocity, but the other day, I thought twice. Walking south along 4th Avenue towards Astor Place, I caught the building reflecting the blue skies and white clouds, and all of a sudden, I didn't hate it so much. What do you think?

Monday, August 25, 2008

It's not still on display where I saw it, but I was thrilled to catch site of the crocheted coral in person earlier this spring. Here's a link to an article about the exhibit from The New York Times. According to the NYT:

This environmental version of the AIDS quilt is meant to draw attention to how rising temperatures and pollution are destroying the reef, the world’s largest natural wonder, said Margaret Wertheim, an organizer of the project.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Of course, I have already forgotten the name of this plant. It's volunteered itself in my front yard in Fort Greene, and when I first saw it, I had to ask my much more informed gardener neighbor whether or not it was a weed. Then, last week out at my great aunt's home in Long Island, I was thrilled to see what it could look like when it had really taken seed. It's awfully pretty and considering how few plants seem to like the soil in our yard, I am inclined to encourage it further next spring.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

The other night, the Fairway parking lot was doing its best impression of Heaven (see above). The light, the sky and that special magic hour just before you lose the sun lured me out onto the pier. Red Hook has its very own gritty charm, and someday (when I have some other kind of lifestyle), I would love to live there. In the meantime, I'd be thrilled to meet a man who managed to channel the Red Hook aesthetic into his decor. I think that's just the sort of fellow with whom I'd like to go on some dates. Not that I would ever judge a man by his home.

Friday, August 22, 2008

A late night walk home from Smith and 3rd revealed this unusual fountain on Dean Street. It's a little hard to see, but this stack of 5-gallon buckets has water streaming down from each level. My friend and I were both very impressed with this industrial-chic craftsmanship. I liked the contrast between the white plastic and all the brick and brownstone on the block.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

My friend whipped this out of his bag the other day and said, "Isn't this cool?" I was driving and took only a cursory look at the object he had just procured. "Yeah," I said, plainly unenthusiastic. He grinned at me realizing I hadn't understood. He then proceeded to slide his MacBook Air out of the envelope. Wow. It was cool. It was really, really cool. A laptop sleeve that look just like the darn manila envelope from the Mac ads. I wish I had thought of that. At $34, I would say it's worth every penny.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Apologies for the slightly Impressionistic photograph. Walking back to my apartment from parking my car the other day I noticed this brownstone on Carlton between DeKalb and Willoughby. How did I never notice it before? Sometimes I like to imagine all of New York like this: Covered in ivy with rustling leaves.

Friday, August 15, 2008

I saw these at Urban Outfitters the other day and thought they were awfully cute. I think they'd be especially adorable on either side of a bed. None of the shades at Urban Outfitters were very appealing though, so you'd have to source something to top them off.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

It's my birthday, so I figured I would share my current dream car with you : A 1964 Chevrolet Corvair Monza, red with red leather interior. But I am waiting until I have a garage to even think about it.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

While upstate a few weeks back, my friend S. made some tea sandwiches that were a clever riff on a classic BLT (without the L). The sandwiches she made were open-faced on white bread with a slice of ripe tomato and a particularly delicious spread: bacon mayonnaise. I emailed her for the recipe and served them to my book club. Needless to say, they were a hit. But then, the next day, with leftover bacon mayo, I decided to up the ante. I toasted the bread, spread it with the mayo, sliced up an avocado and topped it with tomato. All I can say is, "Yum." Here's the recipe for bacon mayonnaise: